Assamica is the newest of the four teahouses in Olomouc. Its entrance is a little hard to see as you approach but it is there at Kateřinska 15, between St Catherine's church and the outdoor market, next door to U Morousů and almost opposite the entrance to the Olomoucká Krčma.Just inside the entrance is a staircase leading down through the wafting scent of fruit tobacco to the first of the teahouse's three rooms. Beside and beneath the stairs is a seating area with sofas arranged around two or three small tables. The second and largest room is furnished with cane armchairs around glass-topped tables and the third is filled with a large podium divided into five seating areas with low tables, floor mats as thick as mattresses and large cushions so plump you could almost play ball games with them.One of the teahouse owners is from Morocco, the other from Egypt; all three rooms are decorated with suggestions of the Middle East and North Africa. Hanging from the exposed brick ceilings are perforated metal light fittings with coloured glass panels, much of the furniture features the oriental dome shape from the teahouse's logo, and the richly ornamented upholstery, patterned carpets and cushions worthy of a sultan's harem suggest that when you leave you might need to face the billowing sands of the Sahara rather than the cold grey cobblestones of central Europe.
The hommus, baba ganouche and couscous snacks are outstanding and there's a full range of shisha pipes and flavoured tobacco. Despite the north African theme, all the usual teas from all the major tea-producing regions of the world are available. So far we've tried the Vietnamese green tea, the Yogi spice and the Rooibos caramel, which can be sweetened with honey and milk on request. Most of the teas suitable for repeated brewing offer the choice between a teapot or gaiwan cup.
One of the best things about Teahouse Assamica is that it's open seven days a week until midnight, which is at least an hour longer than most other places and just the right amount of time to enjoy a leisurely brew in the evening after dinner. With those opening hours, the comfort, friendly staff, location and quality of the tea and snacks it's bound to become the favourite teahouse for a lot of people in Olomouc.Čajovna Assamica
Kateřinska 15
604 441729
